Baltimore County News

Support and Relief Programs Available During Shutdown

Baltimore County is home to more than 15,000 federal employees. While the majority of those individuals work at the Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where the shutdown has a minimal effect, we know there are County residents who are struggling with a loss of income as a result of the federal shutdown. There are also many contractual workers in the County who are affected.

The following resources may be available to federal workers who have been affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Social Services

Social Services has programs and services designed to help residents in financial need who meet income-eligibility requirements. Apply for benefits at a District Office. Be advised there is required paperwork for application processing.

Water Bills

Waive Late Fees

Baltimore City will waive late fees on water bills for furloughed federal employees and contractors who are customers of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) water system. Eligible County customers should send the following information to customer support:

A copy of their work ID or furlough letter

Your name, address and account number

Indicate if you would like to set up a payment plan as well as a late fee waiver

By Mail

By Email

Repayment Plans

Any customer who falls behind in their bills may request a repayment plan to help them become current. Customers with a household income within 175 percent of federal poverty level may qualify for a one-time credit of $236 toward a payment plan. Call 410-396-5398 to discuss your account.

BGE

With many Marylanders impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is taking steps to expand awareness of existing assistance programs to help customers through temporary or extended financial hardships. The following options are available to customers experiencing challenges paying their BGE bill:

Payment arrangements and installment plans—BGE will offer multiple flexible payment arrangements to accommodate customers who are currently not receiving pay due to the government shutdown.

Due date extensions—Customers who currently have their bills due can have their due dates extended to accommodate their current situation

Budget billing—BGE will also work with customers affected by the government shutdown to make their budget billing retroactive considering their current arrangement

Deferred service terminations—BGE will work with customers who are in threat of termination with alternative payment solutions

Customers who may be challenged to pay their BGE bill should contact BGE as soon as possible by calling 800-685-0123. Customers can also review the Community Resource Guide, which provides information about various energy assistance programs.

Permit Fees

For the duration of the shutdown, the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections will defer all fees associated with “personal” permits (electrical, building, plumbing or rental registration) for those affected by the government shutdown. Fees will be due after the government shutdown ends.

Eligible residents who wish to request a deferral should send mail or deliver a copy of their work ID or furlough letter to Julie Sanders.

By Mail or In-Person

By Email

Education

For students impacted by government furloughs, the Community College of Baltimore County will offer a zero-down, no-interest deferred payment plan to cover tuition and fees for students enrolled or enrolling for Spring 2019 in credit and eligible non-credit workforce training programs. Book fees can also be incorporated into a payment plan.

Older Adults

Information and Referral

Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County serves as the entry point for obtaining information, referrals and options counseling for seniors, adults with disabilities, their families, caregivers and professionals. Federal employees who are experiencing difficulties because of the government shutdown may call to find out what services they or their older family member may be eligible for, including emergency assistance.

Nutritious Meals

Baltimore County residents aged 60 and over, and their spouses of any age, are eligible to participate in the Eating Together program at over 35 senior centers, community buildings and senior residences. Participants are asked to make a voluntary, anonymous donation. Younger persons may also participate but are required to pay the full cost of the meal. Reservations are required in advance.

Staying Connected

Federal employees of any age who are looking for a way to fill time during the shutdown and be around others are welcome to stop in and take part in activities at any of the 20 senior centers throughout the County. Senior centers are an active place to stay engaged—opportunities include lifelong learning, arts, recreation, socialization and skill development. Visit the senior center closest to you and start "Living Longer, Living Well!“

Volunteer

Some federal employees who are experiencing the government shutdown may want to spend their time helping others. Make a difference in your community by sharing your time, talents and experience. Explore the range of volunteer opportunities available for all ages throughout the Baltimore community, or search by your skills and interests.

For those who are over the age of 55, we encourage you to get involved with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), an initiative under the federally-funded Senior Corps program. Through the development of partnerships with nonprofit organizations, public agencies and proprietary health care organizations, RSVP connects senior volunteers with a variety of causes and community needs.

Other Resources

If you are a furloughed worker, the location of your work (Maryland or Washington D.C.) determines where you would apply for unemployment benefits.

​The Baltimore County Public Library offers a wide variety of free services and programs to County residents, both youths and adults. Learn more about free online learning, items to borrow or download, and more offered at the library's 19 branches.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has created a blog for veterans and others affected by the shutdown.